Unit 2 Prokaryotic cells

What is a type of prokaryotic cell

bacteria and archaea

What do prokaryotes have on the outside

capsule, cell wall, plasma membrane, pili, flagella

Capsule

a sticky layer that helps prokaryotes stick to surfaces, some capsules add extra protection

Cell wall

Adds structural support, protects cell, permeable to water, meaning dissolved stuff can cross into cell

Plasma membrane

phospholipid bilayer

Pili

some prokaryotes have these, they help the bacterium stick to surfaces. Other types of pili can be used to “spear and reel in” other bacteria to exchange plasmid DNA

Flagella

used for motion, whips around like a propellor

What is on the inside of a prokaryotic cell

ribosomes, plasmids, nucleoid

Ribosomes

free floating, makes proteins

Plasmids

small circular chunks of DNA, contains a couple of genes that are easily shared with other bacteria

Nucleoid

one large circular chunk of DNA. Contains rest of the bacteria’s genes. Not enclosed by a nucleus